TLC exec dishes out credit

O'Neill gives props to team for net's success

Throw any subject at Eileen O’Neill, whether it concerns policewomen, intricate cakes or designer tattoos, and she can handle it.

As well as being adaptable, the president and general manager of TLC has guided the company’s cable shows through rough spots (Jon and Kate Gosselin splitting up on “Jon and Kate Plus 8″), much like a captain steering an enormous ship through turbulent waters.

And with O’Neill’s leadership, TLC has grown to be a major player in the reality genre with other shows like “American Chopper,” “What Not to Wear,” “L.A. Ink” and “Say Yes to the Dress.”

O’Neill credits her production team at TLC, especially in regards to the company’s latest shows.

“We were pretty purposeful and strategic in trying to do pilots like ‘Cake Boss,’ ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ and ‘Police Women (of Broward County),’ ” O’Neill says. “The batting average is attributed to the talented staff; there’s no secret sauce to it. We have great producers, great casting and great storytellers.”